Western District International Director Elect and Western District Task Force member Cathy Leong presented on the ITE International’s One ITE Initiative. Cathy outlined the goals of the ITE One Initiative which are to deliver a consistent member experience, to provide effective member support, and to ensure the long-term viability of ITE. The missions and purposes of all levels of ITE (district, a section, and a chapter) have also been rewritten to clarify the relationships between the levels. In conjunction with the implementation of the ITE One Initiative, all districts, sections, and chapters will need to have their charters re-issued in order to incorporate the new provisions adopted by the International Board of Directors. During the most recent ITE International Annual Meeting, the ITE International Board passed a motion to direct the Western District Task Force to develop a transition plan that will result in the creation of one or more new districts. Two options have been considered but the most likely option is the creation of a new Rocky Mountain District that would include states such as Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming. This would lead to a reduction of a third of the Western District’s current membership. Cathy further elaborated on potential implications of a smaller district membership that may include an increase in membership dues to continue existing programs or restriction of district programs; revisions of board positions and election policies; and consolidation of committee duties. Responses are currently being obtained from the membership until October 5th to gather member input on the proposed initiative.
At the end of Cathy’s formal presentation, members present were asked for any questions or comments on the initiative’s implications to the Hawaii section. Members’ concerns centered primarily on the Annual Meeting planned for 2020. However, Cathy, who is also LAC chairperson for the 2020 meeting, expressed that the committee has been conservative in their planning will have a minimal impact on attendance.
Finally, the members present were asked if they would like to volunteer for any of the existing committees. Eric Imada has agreed to be the new student liaisons chairperson who will work with Dr. Zhang from the University of Hawaii-Manoa to encourage more student participation in ITE. Robert Nehmad will remain as the ITE representative to the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) with Claire Fukuoka as alternate. Wayne Yoshioka will return as the Legislative Committee chairperson while Dr. Honglong Li will replace Steve Yoshida as the Technical Committee chairperson. The Section still needs a volunteer to serve as representative to the Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies (HCES). Warren Yamamoto currently serves as the HCES representative.
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